USC Suspends Fraternity After Sexual Assault, Drugging Allegations

USC Suspends Fraternity After Sexual Assault, Drugging Allegations

Oct 22, 2021

The University of Southern California’s (USC) Sigma Nu fraternity chapter has been placed on interim suspension after reports of women being drugged and sexually assaulted at the house were made to the school, officials said.

On Thursday, the USC Department of Public Safety issued a crime alert confirming that campus officials had received a report of sexual assault at the fraternity house located at 660 W. 28th Street.

“The university also has received reports of drugs being placed into drinks during a party at the same fraternity house, leading to possible drug-facilitated sexual assaults,” the crime alert said.

ABC 7 reported that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had been notified of the incident and opened an investigation into four alleged victims who may have been served spiked drinks at a September 25 fraternity party. Additionally, ABC 7 reported that another drugging incident was alleged during the same timeframe at an undisclosed location.

In a public statement, USC asserted that officials are taking the allegations seriously and will ensure a “fair, thorough, and timely resolution process.”

“While we are unable to discuss the specifics of this matter due to student privacy laws, we are unequivocal in our commitment to fostering a safe environment for all of our students, faculty, and staff,” the university said.

“We are deeply concerned when any student experiences any kind of trauma, and we offer both private and confidential support resources, as well as supportive measures to involved parties.”

The suspension means the fraternity is temporarily barred from hosting or organizing any activities. USC confirmed that no parties or social gatherings will be allowed to take place at the fraternity house.

USC notified Sigma Nu’s national headquarters Thursday regarding the allegations and suspension, Christopher Brenton, director of communications for Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc., confirmed in a statement.

“The fraternity is concerned by these serious allegations and will seek to work with University officials to investigate the matter,” Brenton said. “The fraternity will determine its further actions based upon the investigation. Sigma Nu Fraternity remains committed to responding appropriately to all matters of confirmed misconduct.”

ABC 7 reported that several students gathered outside the Sigma Nu fraternity house Thursday evening in support of the victims, with some asserting the issue had been ongoing for several weeks.

“I mean the fact that this happened over multiple weeks over and over, and the guys were confident enough that they could do this multiple weeks in a row to multiple women – that they would not get in trouble, and that it would just be fine, says everything about how safe men feel hurting women,” student Sophie Beitel said to ABC 7.

Thursday’s campus crime alert indicated that USC officials have reported all information regarding the alleged drugging and sexual assault incidents to the LAPD.

Additionally, the Los Angeles Times reported that USC officials are encouraging anyone who who may have been victimized by sexual assault or drugging to report the incidents to the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX.

Anyone with information related to drug-assisted sexual assaults at the Sigma Nu fraternity house is strongly encouraged to contact the LAPD Southwest Division at 213-485-6571. Survivors of campus sexual assault at USC are also urged to contact:

• The USC University Park Campus Department of Public Safety at 213-740-6000
• The USC Health Sciences Campus at 323-442-1000

The university also provided a list of resources available for students, including USC’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP). RSVP is available 24 hours a day via 213-740-4900 for medical resources, emotional support, and advocacy.

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